The biggest "rural premiums'' tend to be in the West Midlands, where a rural home costs 42 per cent more than one in an urban area.

The smallest difference is in the east of England, where buyers pay a 10 per cent extra for a home in the countryside.

On average buyers can expect to pay around £254,000 for a rural retreat, compared to £211,000 for a city accommodation.

Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: "The countryside continues to attract home owners inspired by open spaces, a cleaner environment and the prospect of a potentially greater quality of life.

"However, turning such dreams into reality typically comes at a cost.

"Housing affordability is a significant issue across a number of rural areas, making it difficult for first-time buyers in particular to buy a countryside home."